This paper examines some of the theoretical and philosophical issues associated with the question of government funding, including the definition of 'philosophy of science research' and the problem of distinguishing between "pure" and "applied" research. Suggestions are provided as to what is necessary in order to construct several different kinds of justification for government support of PS research, but no justifications are worked out in detail. This paper was written to provide background material for an oral presentation on the more pragmatic aspects of this topic to be given at the 1976 PSA Meeting.